At this stage we are anticipating the Domestic Competition will go ahead this weekend. The temperature inside the courts and at the external venues is not expected to reach the predicted 40 degrees outside. Clubs will be notified immediately if there are any changes to games this weekend.

With scorching temperatures expected this weekend, the WBA would like to remind all junior clubs, coaches, parents, players, referees and everyone else who will be around the stadium this week, of the responsibilites we all have in the heat.

TIMING RULES:

It is expected that heat rules will be implemented throughout the weekend.

For Saturday Juniors and Under 16 games on a Sunday, the halves will continue to be 17 minutes. During heat rules, each team is permitted two timeouts per half each (instead of one normally), and if these teams are not using their timeouts, the referees will call one near to the midpoint of the half, so players can have a drink and a rest. The clock only stops for all whistles in the last minute.

For Sunday Under 18 games, games will adopt the same head rules as listed above for Saturday juniors. The only exception is that the clock will stop for all whistles in the final two minutes as per normal competition.

Sunday Mixed shall operate their usual heat rules, with halves reduced to 18 minutes, and a referees timeout at the midpoint of each half.

COOL ROOM:

WBA will be trialling a new 'Cool Room' during the hot days this weekend. The Club Room at the end of Court One will be a designated cool spot, with the climate system working on full and water spray bottles available. Please note this is a room for players to cool down after their games, or anyone suffering symptoms of heat related illnesses to retreat to to cool down. It is not intended to be a court one viewing area, we want to keep the room clear for people who need it.

EXTERNAL VENUES:

Both external venues will be stocked with cold water available. Anyone playing at external venues this week should be mindful to bring plenty of fluids, and take appropriate precaustions.

TEMPERATURE MONITORING

Referee Supervisors have access to court temperature monitoring equiptment and will be responsible for making decisions on the status of games based on this information. WBA will be acting according to the Basketball Victoria heat reccomendations at all times during this extreme weather.

We will be running the stadium coolers heavily during this time, and doing whatever we can to keep playing conditions as comfortable as possible during this weather. Please be mindful of what we can all do as individuals to ease the collective burden of these tough conditions.